At a media interaction here Monday even as the Chennai Open commenced, World No.8 Wawrinka pointed out that it being the first tournament of the season, the opening match was crucial to get back into groove after the off-season.

Last year Somdev Devvarman had entered the main draw as a wild card. He won his first round against Jan Hajek (Cze) but lost to top seed Tomas Berdych. Yuki was ousted in the first round by Robin Haase of the Netherlands.